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Friday, 31 December 2010

Listen up ladies, ABU! is proud to announce that you will be able to catch a brand new show this Sunday.
Yes, yes, ABU! is taking over The Plastic Attack Radio Show for 2 hours to spread love, grooves, old school hip hop, Electro and classic funk. If you're already a fan of the usual ABU! podcast malarkey then you'll love this latest production.

Going out live on Dublin's Power FM Radio and streaming live on the web from 4.30pm this is a New Year's Special show.

Big massive shout to the finest chap in Dublin, DJ Laz-e who's kindly let me take the chair for a session in the studio.

You DO NOT want to miss this one.

Follow these steps to avoid disappointment:

1. Sit next to your computer NOW.2. Do NOTHING until Sunday 2nd January.3. Look at your watch and wait until the little hand is on 4 and the big hand is on 6.4. Type 'www.powerfm.org' into your address bar.5. Turn up your speakers.

Friday, 24 December 2010

Saturday, 18 December 2010

Just one week to go. I trust you are suitably dressed in the appropriate seasonal attire of embarrassing knitted Christmas jumper from your Nan and party hat. Yes? Good.
Then we shall begin.

An hours-worth of Christmas-flavoured tunes from yesteryear, spliced with the usual ABU! madness all packed in a gorgeous .mp3 file.
And there is a competition in this month's show. Yes! Giveaways! Freebies!

Thank you to everyone who's supported ABU! throughout the year and contributed in any way. Here's to a great Christmas and a happy New Year.

Download the Ageing B-Boys Unite! Podcast #4 Xmas Special here. Listen to it NOW or else it'll lose it's magic after the 25th.

Friday, 17 December 2010

It was everything I hoped for and so, so much more.
I haven't enjoyed myself and had such a wicked night out in a while.
Got to say I was really hyped for this night and even did a special run of a one-off Ageing B-Boys Unite! t-shirt, too! (Hopefully I'll get some more in the new year for anyone that wants one)

There were a few moments in the run-up to the jam that caused some big headaches. Would it still happen? Would we find a suitable venue?
In the end though, it really was all worth it. I haven't had such a good time out in a long while. And a chance to finally meet a lot of people who I'd only known virtually.
Big thanks first and foremost to my two compadres from 3 The Hard Way, namely Websta and Waxer.
Previously only having spoken over the phone and Skype to these chaps I was not surprised at all to discover that they were thoroughly amiable geezers in the flesh. As was everybody else in attendance at the venue.

The first act to go on were Whirlwind D & The Assembly Worker a.k.a Solid n Mind.
If rumour is anything to be believed these guys haven't performed together for 15 years. After witnessing their performance then that statement seems flimsy at best. D's rhymes were tight as a gnat's chuff and Matt The Assembly Worker's turntable dexterity was sharp as a nail.

Newcastle's homeboy, Ridla gave us an hour set of UK bangers and snorters. To see the smile on this man was heartwarming as he threw down on the wheels of steel. A local crew of Birmingham B-Boys called Down By Law (including Khan Fu) got on the floor while Ridla was spinning and heated the floor right up. It was truly a great moment to see a new generation b-boys carrying the torch for hip hop.

Next was Norwich's own MC Chrome who performed alongside the highly-talented Ill Inspired.
Now here is an act loved by local builders up and down the country for their tendency to tear the roof off every venue they perform at. And tonight was no exception.Chrome has been rocking joints since a young 'un with Def Tex so his showmanship is absolutely second-to-none.
Talking of young-un's, Chrome introduced us to a young MC by the name of Choco Doobs from his hometown. Now this guy has got skills. He's eagerly been listening and lapping up that Golden Age goodness and it does show.

Watching Chrome perform generates a mixture of admiration as well as a healthy smidge of enviousness as he is a jack of all boom-bap trades; spitting out rhymes like a rabid canine who's devoured the full works of Rakim; cutting-up records like it's in the blood - at one point whilst on stage, he leaned over the 1200 and began cutting up over his own chorus; beatboxing; and later treating the onlookers to some fancy footwork and b-boying.

Then when he felt we weren't enjoying ourselves with just one MC on the stage, Ill Inspired - Chrome's rhyming partner - proceeded to mosey up and bless us with the hardest rhymes this side of the Queensbridge projects.Bill's lyrical lexicons slipped from his mouth like loose spaghetti and turned the heat up to 'frazzling'. A truly dynamic duo if ever there was one. And Bill's nice on the wheels, too.

A sneak preview was given when Bandog from Killa Instinct stepped up to form a threesome. Sadly he was only on for a brief time but the fat lady wasn't singing yet.
Soon after, Bandog began a solo set. He blew everyone's minds by firstly insisting that he had a time machine in his bedroom as we witnessed the same Bandog from 1992 with no obvious physical ageing.
Then he swept into a mind-numbing session of energizing Britcore which got absolutely everyone amped.
Hearing The Bambi Murders performed live is how it should be heard always. Bandog was bouncing around onstage whilst the crowd were doing likewise literally inches away from him.
As far as I was concerned, I was 20 years-old again - however my knees knew I was knocking on 40's door and decided they needed a time-out even though I was determined to do my best Zebedee impersonation over the whole resounding 4 minutes and 5 seconds of the song.

Between the acts was Ambush who slammed on the UK tracks and threw in some US just for good measure.
Audio is one element of a good jam. The other one is visuals. The best man for the job, CrimesForMinds was on board to provide the sights for the evening. He projected video, text and pictures in a truly unique style towards the main stage so that everyone could enjoy his work and this really did add to the flavour of the night. He turned a blank wall into a magical canvas.

Also, DJ Cutloose performed a set in which he almost literally set the decks on fire. His hands moved so fast that you couldn't actually see where the wax ended and his hands began. He dropped many, many classic Electro cuts and the old boom-bap favourites all in quick succession.
I think massive props needs to also be directed at him as it was Cutloose himself who provided the sound system. Were his speakers large? Was the sound loud? Did the bass make the room shake? Hmmmm, I think at one point I actually saw DJ Kool Herc with his head in his hands muttering something about size not meaning everything whilst uncontrollably sobbing.

Another surprise act took to the stage and that was Def J aka Original One. He blasted through some new joints and nicely took us back to '92 as well which is what we all wanted. Respect to the man for showing up.

Cutloose was on the wheels again (for Def J as well) and soon after some overunning, yours truly stepped onstage. Chrome had slithered up behind the decks and was attempting to steal my thunder by dropping some wax. I rocked up with some CEB, simultaneously - and metaphorically - asking him did he Get The Point?
This began a mini soundclash as we went into some back and forth action, both attempting a game of one-upmanship.
Unfortunately he was no match for my crates of doom as I dealt him a triple deathblow of I'm Bad, Something Fresh To Swing To and Follow The Leader.
Unfortunately the ludicrous tosser management were buzzing around like annoying mosquitoes and we had to wrap it up, but not before I put on the familiar guitar licks of BDK's Wrath Of Kane.
Those that were still standing witnessed the fitness and got down whilst they could.

What a night.

I'm all for podcasting and jumping on a forum to discuss all ranges of topics but nothing comes close to being there and meeting and interacting with real people in the flesh whilst dope beats are being played in the background.

Saturday, 27 November 2010

To tempt those of you who haven't yet bought your ticket I've put together a sample of the sort of tracks you can expect to hear in the 3 The Hard Way Christmas Jam in 2 weeks.
The music reflects what I may (or may not - I'm not giving up my secret tracks!) be playing on the night. Although I am by no means speaking for Ambush, Waxer, Cutloose, nor Ridla who each have their own unique styles that they'll be displaying on the night.

Wednesday, 24 November 2010

The 3rd Podcast is ready and waiting for your downloading pleasure.
The usual classic and funky old buggers' bag of hip hop awaits along with some off-the-wall shitz and giggles.

I decided not to give you a listing this time and instead hit you with it freshski so that it's all a surprise - a good one. Maybe I'll add one later. Maybe not.

Again, if you prefer to listen on your chosen mp3-playing portable device then download from here and transfer at your leisure.
However if you were spoiled as a child and given everything as soon as you demanded it then you will prefer the streaming option below.
I'm not here to judge, baby.

We've given this podcast a Code Blue warning as there is a chance that the listener may encounter some filth-flarn-filth during the broadcast. So unless your co-workers, colleagues, fellow bus passengers, gran or dog are groovy, down-with-the-kids, filth-merchants then be warned.

Wednesday, 17 November 2010

Right. Are you ready for some "black steel", "acetates" and "dub-plate pressure"?
I ripped this 18-minute segment off a tape from 1987. It's a recording of an early Tim Westwood show from his beginning days at Capital Radio.
Strange to think that even a legendary figure like Timmy could only make do with 30 minutes of airtime back then.
Marvel at the way he introduces the wrong title as LL's new song. You crazy diamond!

I somehow managed to keep my itchy trigger finger away from the pause button and recorded the whole set of MC Crazy Noddy & DJ Fingers from The Syndicate as well as Jus' Badd's DJ Pogo & MC Mell'O' without 'editing' it.
This is some rare London bizzle and hearing an MC over those original breaks'll put hairs on ya chest I tells ya.

And while I'm in the mood for some breaks and British vocals I'm gonna bless you with the rugged tones of Simone Wilson aka Monie Love and MC Mell'O' out of Jus' Badd and their highly-sought after 12" "Freestyle".
I haven't personally got this record but I'm guessing a certain Fagent Inch (cryptic name-change) has a copy.
Most probably doubles, too.
Still shrinkwrapped.

Talking of spoilt, British, loudmouth, tantrum-having MC's, did I ever mention that time I saw Monie Love in the Kings Road, London shopping for a frock and just stamping her feet in a rather quaint 'don't you know who I am?' kind of way?

You can now find ABU! on Facebook.
There's a new, dedicated group page where you can find other ABU! readers and even those who aren't regulars (shock!) and get down.

Click here to go straight there; you will not pass Go and you most def won't receive £200.

It goes without saying that you must already be a member of Facebook to join up. I know, sorry, Grandma, eggs..etc...
But you see these days companies such as KP Foods need to inform the general public that a packet of peanuts MAY contain traces of nuts so......!

The tickets to the 3, The Hard Way Xmas Jam are now available to all.
As I said previously, these are in strictly limited quantities and once they're gone, they're gone due to venue restrictions.

I don't want to sound like I'm spamming here but I really am urging you all to come if you possibly can as it is going to be a really great night.
I say that genuinely because this event is being put on with pure love for the music and the culture itself.
Like-minded individuals all getting down to the music that we love and grew up with as youngsters with a clear aim; peace, unity, love and having fun.

This is truly shaping up to be the jam of the year and strongly urge everyone to make it because it's surely going to be the feel-good event of the season!

Tuesday, 9 November 2010

Well, it's been a tough road but we've finally reached the final leg and the finish line is in view.

Websta, Waxer and Lady have been scouting the whole of Birmingham and have found the perfect venue.
It will be held in The Munster Lounge in The Irish Centre, Birmingham on Saturday 11th December 2010.
Doors will open at 7pm but the main event begins at 9pm and goes on until 2am.

The venue is really nice, only a 10 minute walk from Birmingham new street station & literally right next door to Digbeth coach station.
Please respect the venue, it's got Waxer;s name on the contract & no playing up/tagging etc will be tolerated.
They have a nice selection of beers on tap, Strongbow, Guinness & Carling & your usual top shelf drinks.

HOTELS:

You have a great choice of the most popular hotels, here are 3, book early to get 'em cheap!!!

Heroes Of UK Hip Hop Forum members have first chance at getting tickets, so if you are a member of the forum and would like tickets, please send Waxer a PM on the forum.
Otherwise, tickets go on sale to non-forum members in the Shop at the weekend.

Speaking of which, you should ALL sign up to Websta's forum anyway especially as there is a dedicated xmas jam thread where you can chat about it.

We will also be sending wristbands along with your ticket to avoid any confusion when people go out for a smoke, or need to leave for some reason as there will be door staff on. These will have the 3 The Hard Way logo printed on them and will be a nice little memento from the night.

THIS IS A TICKET ONLY EVENT. YOU MUST HAVE BOUGHT YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE UNLESS YOU PRIVATELY ARRANGE IT WITH WEBSTA.

LADIES/GENTS please note... this is a Christmas party, we have kept the ticket price as LOW AS WE POSSIBLY CAN. We could not afford to do it any less due to the cost of the venue and cost of sound system hire. This is a not for profit event and should we have any money in the kitty left after selling the tickets we'll be putting that back to future events and/or maybe a drink behind the bar!

EVERYBODY NEEDS TO PAY, even if you want to grab the mic or get on the wheels of steel, the only way we can afford to do this is if everyone buys a ticket. TICKETS ARE LIMITED TO 100ONLY DUE TO FIRE PRECAUTIONS SO PLEASE BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT. WE CANNOT BEND THE RULES OF THE VENUE!!!

We've had e-mails and PMs from artists who would like to perform. We are not booking artists, this is just a load of like minded people getting together to have a wicked night!

This is your chance to meet me in the flesh. Yes ladies, dream no longer for you will be able to witness the fitness of the one and very much only, Repo for one night only.
And I will be signing autographs. For a fee.

It goes without saying that any news will be posted here as soon as I hear it.

Thursday, 4 November 2010

Wednesday, 3 November 2010

It's a simple idea. So simple and yet so obvious.
To re-issue classic UK hip hop albums of yesteryear.

And really, not just re-issue them just as they were which would be pretty lazy but also add extra bonus tracks. And rare ones at that. Remastered, expanded, lavish packaging and exclusive liner notes.

Currently Original Dope are hot on the case of unearthing and blowing off the dust of some classic long-players from the 80's & 90's such as MC Duke's Organised Rhyme, Blade's The Lion Goes From Strength To Strength (No Compromise) and The Ruthless Rap Assassins Killer Album.

Original Dope is the brainchild of ex-HHC honcho Andy Cowan who edited the legendary Hip Hop Connection magazine from 1993 so you know that this isn't going to be some fly-by-night opportunist operation.

If you go to the website now you can also find exclusive t-shirts featuring Blade, Ruthless Rap Assassins as well as the official Original Dope logo.

Saturday, 23 October 2010

It was meant to be a surprise. It was going to be the big New Year present to everyone.
But just like a kid with a spanky-new 50 pence piece clutched in his sweaty hand given to him from his Gran or even Def J, he just couldn't save it.

But that's good news as we can all feast our peepers on this absolutely lush logo which has been exclusively designed for Waxer's Disco Scratch site by master craftsman, Duce.
Not only is it the rebranded DS website logo but it will also adorn all DS projects from now on which is no bad thing.

Speaking of Disco Scratch, the latest show is available for download from the site and it's a flippin' corker.
This week Wax concentrated on the DJ as the main focal subject and dished out a load of classics such as King Kut, Girls Love The Way He Spins, The Manipulator, My DJ (Pump It Up Some) and so much more.
There just HAS to be a part 2 because there are so many more cuts that can be included in that list; although most of my personal favourites were played which made me grin like a special kid eating a 'large' 99 on a hot day.
And a track was even dedicated to yours truly; Kid Frost - Terminator, which is undoubtedly in my top 5 records of all time.

Friday, 22 October 2010

This video below is the full version of the Japanese crew, Ichigeki's showcase from the Battle Of The Year 2005.
It is regarded as the best performance and to this day has not been surpassed by any crew since.

And The B-Boy Championships 2010 have come to a close.
This year's winners were the Vagabonds from France.
B-Boy Cico set a Guinness World Record for the most consecutive hand spins (1990’s) in front of an 8,000 strong crowd.
For any that missed all the action, Channel 4 will be airing a six-part series, ‘Sony Ericsson World B-Boy Series’ from Sunday, 7th November.
The full story available here.

Sunday, 17 October 2010

Around 1996 after the dust had truly settled after JUICE (see here) I embarked on a new venture, Superfly Productions.
This would be a series of cassettes with mostly my own stuff and other classic and obscure hip hop, funk and comedy skits on them.
Let me think what else was on that label......

Delirious - This was an audio of Eddie Murphy's masterpiece concert from 1982. I think I chucked some DJ Noize performances on the back of this.

Cheesy Beats - A rather lame title in retrospect but this was one of my favourite tapes I ever did. It was a collection of great funk tracks and breaks interweaved with some of my favourite film snippets.
I'll be putting this up soon for download.

DJ Slam & His Adventures In The Old Skool - Yes, I spelled it "skool". Oh dear. DJ Slam was yet another non-de-plume and I think was short-lived. Basically this tape was a collection of b-boy breaks cut and scratched by me, er, or rather DJ Slam.

As I remember there was a concerted effort to get things a bit more streamlined and soon I devised a regular newsletter entitled 'On & On Like Popcorn'. This would've been around 1998 when I got my first PC.
Jeez, then I used to mess around with E-Jay Hip Hop. I'm glad I haven't got any of THOSE efforts knocking around ;0)

Original Zephyr tag!

I was in touch with the legendary writer, ZEPHYR around this time and was all set to start selling some of his products such as Tee's and custom skateboard decks. Unfortunately this never transpired but I got some cool stickers off him as well as his tag.

Oh, and keep it under your Kangol but there never was a On The DL Volume 1. This was done in order to hype sales. I told everyone that due to demand all the copies of Volume 1 had been sold and weren't to be re-pressed, therefore it'd be in your own best interests to grab Volume 2 lest it goes the same way.
Didn't work, though. Ballbags.

I've split all tracks into separate MP3's and uploaded as one ZIP file. Go and get it NOW!

One of many copies of the original cassette inlay - thanks to my local library's colour copy machine and bewildered old lady librarian

Tuesday, 12 October 2010

We're ready to roll on the second show.
Yes, due to the phenomenal demand from all the listeners of the debut podcast we're back again.Massive thanks to everyone that contacted me or left a comment about the first one.

I've included some listeners' requests in this show as well as plenty of classic hip hop and electro joints.
There's a smooth break in this month's Funk Trunk courtesy of a listener's request - we're talking 'Kiss In The Car' here ;0)
A lounge cover version of a gangsta track, retro ads and even a strange record featuring your very own Jimmy Savile.
What's not to like?!

Tracklisting below but cover your eyes if you want a surprise...keep your eyes on the prize...while I hypnotize... I tell no lies....er...er...when I go to McDonalds I like large fries....my favourite Main Source joint is Snake Eyes....er....erm.....at Christmas I enjoy mince pies...... you get the picture.

If you want to get involved in future shows or have any requests then drop me a line.

If you have Skype I can record you directly and you can appear on the next show due to the wonders of technology. Just think of a track you like and (if I have it!) a reason of why you like it then we're good to go.

We announced the 3 The Hard Way conglomerate and played some wicked classics. We also had a bit of a Blankety Blank compo which is still running until 9pm next Thursday.
For the chance of winning some rare 7"s (details here) have a listen to the audio below and think of a suitable answer. There is no right or wrong answer, just the one which makes us wee ourselves the most. Some entries have come in already and the bar has been raised so get your thinking caps on.

"Westwood's status is certainly not what it once was, in fact where as once he was hooked up with legends like Marley Marl on his radio show, now he has to make do with __________________ instead."

Disclaimer - Important!

The links to MP3 files provided in these posts are to be used for previewing only. AGEING B-BOYS UNITE ™ does not keep the files here, this Blog is merely a gateway, an Information Desk if you will, to point you in the right direction. Once downloaded, all files should be destroyed within 7 days.

well, Straight Outta Compton is alright. Some of CMW is cool as well.
Okay, amendment, Hater of MOST Gangsta Rap. But not those two, yeah?.

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